Lockout and tagging requirements

Under 1926.417(a), controls that are to be deactivated during the course of work must be tagged.

• This means any switch, breaker, or other control that you turn off (or will turn off) so workers can work safely must have a tag attached indicating it is deactivated for work.
• The tag requirement applies whether the work is performed on equipment that is energized or already deenergized, because it makes the deactivation status clear to anyone who might otherwise reenergize the control.

Under 1926.417(b), deenergized equipment or circuits must be rendered inoperative and have tags attached at all points where such equipment or circuits can be energized.

• Practically, that means tags must be placed on every disconnect, breaker, switch, or other device that could be used to reenergize the circuit or equipment, not just at the worksite.
• The goal is to prevent accidental reenergization by making every possible energizing point visibly identified.

Under 1926.417(c), tags must be placed so they identify plainly the equipment or circuits being worked on.

• Tags should clearly name or describe the equipment/circuit (for example, "Panel A — Feeder to Crane #2"), so anyone seeing the tag knows exactly what is affected.
• Clear identification helps prevent mistakes where the wrong device is operated or reenergized.

Yes. 1926.417(b) requires that equipment or circuits that are deenergized shall be rendered inoperative and shall have tags attached at all points where such equipment or circuits can be energized.

• "Rendered inoperative" means the equipment must be placed in a state that prevents normal energization (for example, by opening or removing the necessary links or disconnecting the source) before tagging at the energizing points.

Under 1926.417(b), "all points where such equipment or circuits can be energized" means every device or location that could be used to supply power to the equipment or circuit must have a tag.

• Examples include local disconnects, upstream breakers in panels, remote starters, and any alternate feeds or transfer switches.
• The requirement prevents someone from reenergizing the equipment from a different location that is not at the immediate worksite.

Under 1926.417(a), any controls that are to be deactivated during the course of work must be tagged, which includes temporary controls.

• Whether a control is permanent or temporary, if you deactivate it so work can proceed, you must attach a tag identifying that it is deactivated and what equipment or circuit it isolates.

Section 1926.417 specifically requires tagging of controls and deenergized equipment; it does not itself prescribe the use of locks.

• The text of 1926.417 speaks to tagging and to rendering deenergized equipment inoperative and tagged at energizing points.
• Because the standard text focuses on tagging, employers should follow 1926.417's tag and identification requirements and also consult their own lockout/tagout procedures or other applicable standards or company rules if they choose to use locks.

Under 1926.417(c), tags must be placed to identify plainly the equipment or circuits being worked on.

• Use clear, unambiguous wording (equipment name, location, circuit number).
• Include who placed the tag and the reason or work being done when space allows.
• Attach tags where they will be visible to anyone who might operate the control (on the handle, next to the breaker, or on the disconnect).

Yes. 1926.417(a) requires that controls that are to be deactivated during the course of work on energized or deenergized equipment or circuits shall be tagged.

• If you plan to deactivate a control at any point while working on energized equipment, that control must receive a tag indicating it is being deactivated for work.

Under 1926.417(b) and (c), tags must be attached at all points where the circuit can be energized and must plainly identify the equipment being worked on, which supports safe multi-crew work.

• Each energizing point should have a tag that identifies the work and responsible party.
• Employers or contractors should coordinate tagging and communicate which tags are in place so crews do not inadvertently reenergize circuits used by others.

Under 1926.417(b), a "point" where equipment can be energized includes any device or location that can supply power to the equipment or circuit.

• Examples: local disconnect switches, breakers in distribution panels, remote starters, transfer switches, generator changeover devices, or any upstream reclosers that could restore power to the equipment.

Yes. 1926.417(b) and (c) require only that deenergized equipment be rendered inoperative and have tags attached at all energizing points, and that tags identify the equipment plainly. Temporary tags that meet those requirements are acceptable.

• Ensure the temporary tag remains visible and legible for the duration of the work.

No, 1926.417(b) requires that deenergized equipment be rendered inoperative but does not prescribe specific methods.

• Employers must ensure the method used actually prevents reenergization (for example, opening a disconnect, removing a fuse link, or otherwise isolating the source) and then attach tags at every point that could restore power.

The employer is responsible for ensuring tagging and rendering deenergized equipment inoperative as required by 1926.417.

• While the standard specifies the tagging requirement, employers must implement procedures and assign appropriate personnel to place and maintain tags at all points where equipment can be energized.

While 1926.417(c) requires tags to identify plainly the equipment or circuits, it does not list mandatory fields. Practical best practices include:

• Equipment or circuit name and location (e.g., "Panel B — HVAC Supply Feeder").
• Reason for tagging or brief job description (e.g., "Maintenance - motor replacement").
• Name or crew placing the tag and date/time.

These items make the tag more effective at preventing accidental energization.

1926.417 requires tags to be placed so they plainly identify the equipment or circuits being worked on but does not specify who may remove tags.

• Because the regulation focuses on placement and identification, employers should adopt procedures that specify who is authorized to remove a tag and under what conditions (for example, only after work is complete and all workers are clear). This prevents unsafe removal of tags by unauthorized personnel.

1926.417(a) and (b) require tagging of controls and deenergized equipment; discovering untagged equipment means the tagging requirement is not being met.

• Workers should not reenergize the equipment and should notify a supervisor or the person in charge so that the equipment can be properly rendered inoperative and tagged.
• Employers should have procedures to correct such situations immediately to protect workers.

Per 1926.417(b), you must attach tags at all points where the equipment or circuit can be energized.

• Place tags on every breaker, disconnect, transfer switch, or other device that could energize the equipment.
• Make sure each tag clearly identifies the same equipment or circuit so anyone at any energizing point understands the isolation status.

Yes. 1926.417(a) covers controls to be deactivated during work on energized or deenergized equipment, and 1926.417(b) addresses deenergized equipment and circuits.

• In short, tagging is required both when you plan to deactivate controls during work on energized gear and when equipment has already been deenergized and rendered inoperative.

1926.417(c) requires that tags identify plainly the equipment or circuits but does not require a specific format or color.

• Employers may use color coding, shapes, or other tag formats as long as the tags clearly identify the equipment or circuit being worked on and are visible at all energizing points.

Yes. 1926.417(b) and (c) require tags be attached at every point that can energize equipment and that tags identify plainly what is being worked on, but the standard does not limit the medium.

• Electronic or digital tags are acceptable if they provide the same visible, plain identification at each energizing point and the employer ensures workers can reliably see and understand the tag before operating any control.

The locking and tagging rules in 1926.417 are part of 29 CFR part 1926, which covers Safety and Health Regulations for Construction.

• Therefore, 1926.417 specifically applies to construction activities covered under part 1926. Employers in construction must follow its tagging requirements for controls and deenergized equipment on jobsites.

Yes. 1926.417(b) requires tags at all points where equipment or circuits can be energized, so each distinct circuit or feed point that can restore power should have a tag.

• Tagging should make it clear which specific circuits are being worked on even when multiple circuits share a common switch or feeder.

No. 1926.417(c) requires tags be placed to identify plainly the equipment or circuits being worked on, so a generic "Do not operate" without identifying what is affected does not meet the standard.

• A compliant tag should identify the specific equipment or circuit (for example, "Do not operate — Panel C, Feeder #3 — Motor Replacement in progress").